Yorkshire Water offers advice after surge in calls on Frozen Pipes

YORKSHIRE WATER has seen a huge surge in customer calls asking for advice about frozen pipes over the weekend.

In the 24 hours from Saturday 18th December morning through to Sunday 19th December morning, the company has received approximately 700 customer calls – a two fold increase on normal levels. With sub-zero temperatures forecast across the region for the foreseeable future, the company has almost doubled its call centre staff to field the increase in calls coming in from customers and get the right help and advice out to those who need it.

It has also assembled a team of volunteers to manage the impact of frozen pipes on any vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and people who require water for medication, and ensure that if required, bottled water reaches them wherever possible.

Pat Hargreaves, Yorkshire Water’s customer experience manager, comments: "We've seen a huge increase in calls coming in from customers about frozen pipes in the last 24 hours and we’re working really hard to help them by getting advice to them about how they can thaw any frozen pipes and make sure they’re well protected from the elements.

“There are a few simple measures any customer who is suffering from a frozen pipe can take to hopefully resolve the problem. We’re advising customers to apply a gentle heat to any frozen pipes, using a hairdryer or similar heat appliance to carefully direct the heat to where it is needed, thawing the pipe at the end nearest the tap first. It’s important a gentle heat is used and it’s applied gradually, rather than a sharp extreme burst which could result in the pipe bursting. We’re also stressing to customers that a naked flame should never be used to thaw pipes.”

For further information and an audio guide on what to do if you have a frozen pipe and how to protect your pipes this winter, visit yorkshirewater.com/frost.

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Government supports community action during Big Freeze - but use common sense!

THE GOVERNMENT has issued a clear statement that 'red tape' and bureaucracy should not prevent people from helping themselves and others to tackle the disruption caused by the Big Freeze. If people used common sense to clear a pavement or grit a path, then they would not be subject to legal action under health and safety laws. 

The Government in new guidance on Community action during severe weather states clearly that:

• You do not need a Criminal Records Bureau check to call round and check on elderly friends and neighbours. 
• You can help clear paths and pavements to prevent slips and falls – don’t believe the myths about being sued.  

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has praised people's efforts and neighbourly support in the cold weather this week and applauded the Big Society spirit from local councils and communities.

In guidance issued on Monday 6th December, Eric Pickles also called on councils and other local organisations to avoid "icy bureaucracy" getting in the way of community action, and reminded people that they would not be subject to legal action under health and safety laws and that "Common sense is now the order of the day."

During the recent cold spell, major disruption has been caused and conditions have been tough but hundreds of people and organisations have swung into action to help others through kind support.

Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said:

"In this cold snap, the values of the Big Society are more important than ever. Thousands of people have stepped up for their community. Parents swept the paths so that children could get to school safely. Volunteers in mountain rescue teams worked round the clock to help the stranded. People checked in on elderly neighbours, did their shopping or visited the library for them. We should celebrate that community spirit."

The Holderness area has seen lots of unsung heroes helping others during the recent cold snap. But there will undoubtedly be those that are worried that if they clear a neighbour's path, and then someone slips on remaining ice that they will be liable to prosecution. The statement made by the Government goes some way towards calming those fears.

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There's snow business like the internet business!

WEBSITE ISPreview reports that usage of Karoo Broadband has soared during the last week of the Big Freeze. Internet traffic levels apparently soared by 40% as people opted to work, shop and search for information from home.

The traffic increase was over 25% higher than experienced during the heavy snow of January 2010, which is apparently due to an increasing number of small businesses using technology to remain operational.

The Hedon Blog received an unprecedented number of visits for its weather coverage last week, with over 2,600 viewings on one post alone!

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